IMPORTANT NOTICE: At Fortis Healthcare, we are fully supportive of the National priorities set out by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Further to the directives of the Government provided in their press release dated 8th Nov 2016, payments at Government hospitals can be made through 500 and 1000 Rupee denomination notes. In view of the hardship being caused to the large number of patients at private hospitals, we have made an urgent representation to the Government that this exemption should apply equally, for payments, at private hospitals. We are following up with the authorities and hope the Government will step in quickly to resolve this anomaly. Meanwhile, at Fortis hospitals across the country, we continue to accept payments through credit card, debit card and electronic banking transfers. As 500 and 1000 Rupee denomination notes are no longer legal tender we are only accepting 100 Rs and lower currency notes. As per Government regulation, a PAN card and legitimate ID proof is however required for payments in cash exceeding Rs 50,000. Meanwhile we continue to ensure that emergency cases get immediate medical attention without delay whatsoever and have put in more administrative staff and help desks to assist patients.

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is an intensely painful infection in a joint. The joint can become infected with germs that travel through your bloodstream from another part of your body. Septic arthritis can also occur when a penetrating injury brings germs directly into the joint.

Infants and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis. The most common joints affected are the knees and hips. Septic arthritis can quickly and severely damage the cartilage and bone within the joint, so prompt treatment is crucial.

Treatment involves draining the joint with a needle or via an operation. Intravenous antibiotics also may be necessary to stop the infection.

Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications

Septic arthritis typically causes extreme discomfort and difficulty using the affected joint. The joint may be swollen, red and warm, and you might have a fever.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have sudden onset of severe pain in a joint. Prompt treatment may help minimize joint damage.

Related

If you have painful and inflamed joints, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. He or she may refer you to an infectious disease or joint specialist.

Because appointments can be brief and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.

Write down key personal information, including other medical conditions you may have and any recent infections.

Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For septic arthritis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?

Are there any other possible causes?

Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?

What treatment approach do you recommend?

How soon do you expect my symptoms to improve with treatment?

Is there anything I can do now to help relieve my joint pain?

Am I at risk of long-term complications from this condition?

When should I be seen for a follow-up exam?

I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Should I see a specialist?

Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

What are your symptoms, and when did you first notice them?

Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?

How severe are your symptoms?

What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?

What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Have you had any recent infections?

Do you have any chronic illnesses?

What medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and supplements?

Joint fluid analysis. To discover exactly what bacterium is causing your infection, your doctor usually takes a sample of the fluid within your joint (synovial fluid) through a needle inserted in the space around your joint. Synovial fluid normally appears clear and thick. Bacterial infections can alter the color, consistency, volume and makeup of the synovial fluid. Lab analysis of your synovial fluid iincludes tests to determine what organism is causing your infection. Blood tests. Your doctor may order blood tests to see if bacteria are present in your bloodstream. Imaging tests. X-rays and other imaging tests of the affected joint also may be ordered to assess any damage to the joint.

Joint drainage

Needle. In many cases, your doctor can withdraw the infected fluid with a needle inserted into the joint space.

Scope procedure. In arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-kuh-pee), a flexible tube with a video camera at its tip is placed in your joint through a small incision. Suction and drainage tubes are then inserted through small incisions around your joint.

Open surgery. Some joints, such as the hip, are more difficult to drain with a needle or arthroscopy, so an open surgical procedure might be necessary.

Antibiotic drugs

To select the most effective medication, your doctor must identify the specific microbe that's causing your infection. Antibiotics are usually given through a vein in your arm at first. Later, you may be able to switch to oral antibiotics. Typically, treatment lasts about two to six weeks. Antibiotics carry a risk of side effects, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Allergic reactions also can occur. Talk to your doctor about the side effects to expect from your specific medication.